The new Positioning Division: high precision for growth markets
The acquisition of Physik Instrumente (PI), completed at the end of March, and the creation of the new Positioning Division mark an important step in HOERBIGER’s development. With PI, the Group expands its portfolio with high-precision technologies for motion and positioning and strengthens its presence in fast-growing high-tech markets.
PI’s technologies form the invisible backbone of many rapidly growing industries, including semiconductor manufacturing, automation, photonics, and medical technology, as well as satellite communication and space applications. Wherever movements at the nanometer level are critical, PI’s solutions make new products and applications possible.
Global presence, deep technology expertise, and a strong network
PI was founded in 1970 and is headquartered in Karlsruhe, Germany. The company employs around 1,900 people worldwide and operates nine production sites in Europe, North America, and Asia, as well as 16 sales and service subsidiaries. PI’s success is based on exceptional technological depth. The company develops and manufactures almost all key technologies in-house – from mechanics, drives, and sensors to control systems, algorithms, and its own piezo ceramics. This high level of vertical integration makes PI independent, flexible, and a trusted partner in demanding markets.
Two specialized subsidiaries are a core part of this setup: PI Ceramic and ACS Motion Control. PI Ceramic, based in Lederhose, Germany, has been developing and producing piezo ceramics since 1992. These materials are a key element in many PI drive systems. With ACS Motion Control in Israel, PI has strengthened its expertise in high-performance motion control since 2017. Together, this enables PI to offer fully integrated systems combining mechanics, sensors, and control technology.
“ PI adds nanometer-level precision to HOERBIGER’s strong foundation – opening up new technological and strategic opportunities.”
Positioning Division
2025 below expectations
Joining the HOERBIGER Group supports the continued execution of PI’s innovation and growth strategy. After many years of growth, the company recently reached structural and operational limits. In the 2025 financial year, PI generated sales of 321 million euros, slightly above the previous year (320 million euros). However, business performance remained below expectations. This was mainly due to the delayed recovery of the semiconductor industry, weak economic conditions in Europe with lower demand in automation, a decline in publicly funded projects following budget cuts in the United States, and ongoing geopolitical uncertainty. Profitability declined again in 2025, continuing a trend of recent years. A major factor was a further significant increase in personnel costs.
On the positive side, ACS Motion Control and selected activities in China and in free-space optical communication developed well.
Fast return to the growth path
Immediately after the acquisition closed on March 31, 2026, the new PI leadership team, led by Dr. Michael Albiez, Head of the Positioning Division and CEO of PI, launched a structured 100-day program. The focus is on listening, learning, and gaining a deep understanding of the organization. Based on this analysis, a future roadmap will be developed by mid-year to define the strategic direction for the coming years. The goal is a fast return to PI’s historically strong and profitable growth path. Initial measures already underway focus on using existing strengths consistently while building a solid foundation for future growth.
A strong order intake in the first quarter increases confidence for the rest of the year. Key growth impulses are expected from China and the United States, and from ACS Motion Control. Overall, PI aims for high single-digit percentage growth in 2026, while clearly improving profitability through a sustainable cost structure to ensure longterm competitiveness.